The Tall Ships Races 2018 fleet departed from Esbjerg under blue skies and glorious sunshine on Saturday afternoon after a four-day visit hailed as “amazing” by the Mayor of the Esbjerg Municipality, Jesper Frost Rasmussen.
“The Tall Ships Races in Esbjerg has been an amazing event and a perfect part of celebrating Esbjerg Harbour and City’s 150th anniversary. It has been a pleasure to participate and it is my impression that this event has really made a positive difference for Esbjerg Municipality and its citizens. I would like to thank Sail Training International and the many local employees and volunteers who have helped to make this possible. Now we are working on getting The Tall Ships Races to Esbjerg again in 2022.”
Jesper Frost Rasmussen, Mayor of the Esbjerg Municipality
Sail Training International Race Chairman Knut Western said he had received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the 56 international crews who have enjoyed a wide range of activities, entertainment and warm Danish hospitality over the last days in Esbjerg.
“It has been four fantastic days here and a hugely successful fourth visit to Esbjerg. The Tall Ships crews have enjoyed themselves under the always blue skies and the feedback from captains is: “We want to come back!” Better marks cannot be given to a port.”
Knut Western, Sail Training International Race Chairman
On Friday night the Tall Ships fleet provided the backdrop for a breathtaking firework display, which celebrated the end of an action-packed visit for the crews who represent a total of 39 nations.
Meanwhile, there were emotional farewells for many of the 150 trainees from Esbjerg who sailed in Race 1 from Sunderland and left their vessels in their home port but now embark on the next phase of their lives with expanded horizons.
Over the next days the fleet will Cruise-in-Company to Stavanger, where the official programme will commence on Thursday 26 July.
Amongst the young trainees setting sail on Saturday was Sam Humphreys, 19, a medical student from Guildford (UK). Sam received a bursary from the Association of Sail Training Associations (ASTO) to participate in the Tall Ships Races 2018 on board Morning Star of Revelation (UK).
“I’m really looking forward to taking part, making new friends and visiting new places. I’m good at adapting to new situations so I’m sure I’ll cope with the challenges of living on board. I’ve never taken part in a Tall Ships event before so it’s all new to me, but I’ve heard about the the Crew Parades so I’m looking forward to taking part in Stavanger and that looks like it’ll be a lot of fun.”
ABOUT THE TALL SHIPS RACES 2018
The Tall Ships Races 2018 will be the 58th edition of the world famous international race series. This year’s event will take place in the North Sea visiting four ports in 27 days, taking the fleet from the UK to Denmark, Norway and the Netherlands.
Participating in The Tall Ships Races 2018 is a fantastic experience that you can take part in too! There’s zero experience necessary and there are places are available on ships across the fleet on all race legs. There’s no need to wait – just do it!
Sunderland, UK 11 July – 14 July
